LIBERTY, [11/7/2024] — After a three-year hiatus, the Liberty community was thrilled to welcome back the beloved Providence Grove Homecoming Parade to its rightful place in the heart of Liberty this year, following a necessary change in tradition during the pandemic. In a heartwarming return to tradition, Providence Grove’s annual Homecoming Parade, which had been held on the grounds of Providence Grove High School since 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions, once again made its way through the heart of the town. The parade, a cherished event for families, alumni, and local businesses, took place Friday, November 1.
A Long-Awaited Return
The parade's relocation to the high school was initially a response to the uncertainty brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. With large gatherings prohibited and safety protocols in place, the event moved to the school campus to limit crowds and maintain physical distancing. While the decision was necessary at the time, it left many longing for the familiar sight of floats, homecoming attendants, the Patriot marching band, and fire trucks lining the streets of downtown Liberty.
Uniting the Community
Local businesses, community organizations, and school groups worked together for weeks to ensure the parade was a success. Providence Grove classes and clubs gathered to work on parade floats, fundraising efforts were in full force, and volunteer sign-ups drew in people from all corners of the town, eager to participate in what was an unforgettable Homecoming celebration.
For Providence Grove High School senior Hunter Ward, the return to the heart of Liberty was particularly exciting. As a member of the school’s marching band, Hunter marched proudly alongside his fellow musicians, but he was also excited to see the entire community come together in a way that only Liberty can.
Kevin Bowman, resident, business owner and athletic booster sponsor was a tremendous help in moving the homecoming parade back to Liberty this year. Here is what he had to say about the parade coming back to Liberty, "The Police, Fire, and Public Works departments all joined together to ensure safety and offer assistance during the parade. The local car show club was thrilled to participate, wanting to show their support for the students and school. One of the highlights was when some children asked about the old cars in the parade. When I explained, their faces lit up with excitement, and they responded with appreciation."
A Tradition That Endures
The Homecoming Parade has been a cornerstone of Liberty’s community calendar since Providence Grove High School opened in 2008. From its early days, the parade was a way for the town to showcase its school pride, and build a tradition for alumni to have a chance to return and reconnect with their roots. With its return to the heart of Liberty this year, many see the event as a symbol of the town’s resilience and its ability to come together unified and strong.
For the residents of Liberty, the Homecoming Parade is more than just a school event — it’s a reflection of their collective pride, joy, and unity. As the floats rolled down North Greensboro St. once again, the town undoubtedly was reminded that, even after years of uncertainty, their sense of community remains as strong as ever.
